News: Easyjet slam Oxford University Environment Report

Flights > News > # 1041 (27/10/2006)

Easyjet has dismissed an Oxford University report calling for an increase in tax on aviation to control the expansion in air travel.

The ‘Predict and Decide’ report, which was commissioned by the UK Energy Research Centre, says that by 2050 carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from aviation in the UK could be four times higher than 1990 levels if our appetite for flying continues to grow at current rates.

Responding to the report, Easyjet said a tax hike on air travel was “sloppy thinking” and risked damaging the European economy.

An Easyjet statement said: “Taxation is a blunt instrument that will only put more money into the pockets of Governments. Crucially, and most importantly, it does not benefit the environment.”

The no-frills carrier said there are practical measures which could be used to tackle the impact of aviation on the environment. Reductions in CO2 emissions of up to 12% could be made simply by updating archaic European air traffic control systems, according to Easyjet.

Easyjet support the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme, but only if it includes all flights to and from European airports and not just short-haul services. The airline also wants assurances that rules are set to avoid the protection of traditional national carriers.

“The EU must stop turning a blind eye to the increasing direct and indirect subsidies given to national airlines. These subsidies prevent a consolidation of the sector and allow flag carriers to operate uneconomical routes with old, polluting, half-empty aircraft,” the statement said.

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